Morris Arboretum Interns

Our fall course through UPenn has started, meaning quality time with each other, masks, and exceptionally old trees! We spend about 3 hours every week walking the property and learning about the Arboretum's living collection. This week's favorite? Cercidiphyllum japonicum, perhaps the largest Katsura tree in North America. (Understanding Plants, September 2020)

Every afternoon is a great afternoon for learning about pruning and deadheading roses with Vince! (Intern session in the Rose Garden, August 25, 2020)

2020-2021 Interns in front of the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge during a (socially distanced) hike in Wissahickon Valley Park, July 2020

Monthly Intern Spotlight: Meet Education Intern, Alessandra Rella! Alessandra is from Pittsburgh, PA and graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, where she majored in anthropology and environmental studies.... Fun fact about Alessandra: Alessandra spent nine months working on organic farms across Italy, England, and France! Favorite part of the internship so far? I have just really loved working across different departments at the Arboretum and with so many lovely and talented people. I have learned so much! Favorite spot in the Arboretum? The little secret path in the Rose Garden, near Lydia’s Seat. I remember the first time I discovered it and I just sat back there for a while to admire how the sun was shining through all the leaves. It felt magical. What is your favorite tree? Ginkgo! Their funky bark and unique leaves always make me smile. Any plans for the future? At the end of June, I will start working at the Aspen Grove School, which is an environmentally focused preschool in South Philly. I hope to make my way back to working in a public garden one day, though!

Monthly Intern Spotlight: Meet Urban Forestry Intern, Eliza Nobles! Eliza is from Chester County, PA, and graduated from Drexel University, where she received a self-directed B.S. in urban ecology, with a minor in Science, Technology, and Society (STS). ... Fun fact about Eliza: Eliza has been to 49 U.S. states! Every state except Alaska. Favorite part of the internship so far? This internship has been an amazing learning opportunity. Between my daily work tasks, the intern classes, and just being around the Arboretum I can’t believe how much I’ve learned about plants and urban forestry. Favorite spot in the Arboretum? I like to take walks in the natural wooded areas along the creek. What is your favorite tree? I am always excited to see a catalpa tree. They have beautiful orchid-like flowers, big heart-shaped leaves, and super long seed pods. What’s not to love? Any plans for the future? This fall, I will be entering Penn’s Master of City Planning program with a concentration in urban design and a continued focus on ecology.

That's a wrap! Congratulations to Emily and Dominique, who both did a fantastic job on their intern project presentations!! Job well done :D

Social distancing can’t stop us! Congratulations to Alessandra, Eloise, and Luke, who over the past three weeks gave their intern project presentations virtually. Really great job everyone!!!

Monthly Intern Spotlight: Meet Flora of PA Intern, Dominique Groffman! Dominque is from Minden, Nevada and graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology. ... Fun fact about Dominique: Dominique enjoys making functional and non-functional objects out of clay. Favorite part of the internship so far? My favorite part of the internship has been spending time in the herbarium of the Academy of Natural Sciences, gaining skills in collection management. I especially enjoy having the opportunity to communicate all that I’ve learned with the public and making the collection more accessible. Favorite spot in the Arboretum? The fernery is my favorite spot! What is your favorite tree? My current favorite tree is the North American persimmon ( ) and my favorite non-flowering plant is the walking fern ( ). Any plans for the future? I am currently in the job market for herbarium positions, as well as hearing back from graduate programs for Evolutionary Biology. I would like to return to the Western U.S. to study the vegetation of the sagebrush steppe. Alternatively, I am interested in studying American folk art and its intersection with botanical knowledge.

Monthly Intern Spotlight: Meet Natural Lands Intern, Nate Flicker! Nate is from Fairfield, Connecticut and graduated from Cornell University, where he majored in Environmental and Sustainability Sciences. ... Fun fact about Nate: Nate is a pasta aficionado! He is passionate about pasta shapes and deeply believes that each pasta shape has a unique impact on your pasta eating experience. His personal favorites are gemelli, orecchiette, and cavatelli. Favorite part of the internship so far? Well I just really love working outside, but I also really loved doing my intern project (titled Improving Insect Habitat on the Intensive Green Roof at Morris Arboretum). I also liked learning how to use all the different equipment, like the tractor and backhoe. Favorite spot in the Arboretum? The small deer exclosure behind the wetlands in early fall. Not a lot of people know this spot even exists, but it’s so pretty in the fall because there are a lot of late season native flowers in bloom. I always wanted to work back there during that time. What is your favorite tree? I really like (black tupelo). It’s a really pretty tree and has a pretty fall color. I also really like hemlocks (). So there’s a deciduous and an evergreen for you! Any plans for the future? I’m really interested in public gardens, but more specifically in conservation work. But I’d be happy doing any work that involves native plants and horticulture!

The faces of three happy interns who just completed their intern project presentations and did a GREAT job!!! Congratulations Caitlyn, Nate, and Alex. You've set the bar high for the rest of us!

The interns got a special sneak-peek of the Flower Show before it opened to the public! A big thank you to Matt Rader, President of PHS, for showing us around!! If you have a chance, you must check-out the Flower Show this year, it is absolutely stunning.